About Us
Atlanta's Finest Japanese CuisineENJOY THE FINEST JAPANESE CUISINE AT NAKATO
During the past 50 years, the art and beauty of Japanese dining traditions have been preserved and presented at Nakato Japanese Restaurant. Since the beginning, the Nakato family has prided itself on showcasing the culture of Japanese cuisine, which places an emphasis on seasonal ingredients prepared with skillful artistry to create spectacular Sushi, Hibachi and authentic Japanese dishes.
Dining at Nakato is like taking a culinary journey through Japan without ever having to step foot on a plane. From the moment you step through the doors, the excitement of dining at Nakato is palpable.
Nakato has been consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. In fact, in 2023 Atlanta Magazine named Nakato as one of the 75 Best Restaurants in Atlanta. Nakato was also selected by Atlanta Magazine Reader's Poll as Best Sushi in Atlanta & Best Japanese Restaurant in Atlanta.
Known for overnighting their fish from the waters of Japan, Nakato has repeatedly been awarded "Best Japanese Restaurant in Atlanta" and "Best Sushi in Atlanta" by esteemed publications throughout the South. It's no wonder that Nakato is known as having the best Sushi and Hibachi Dining in Atlanta.
Hibachi or Teppanyaki uses an iron griddle and is considered high-end dining in Japan and Nakato adapts that principal here in Atlanta. A private chef cooks for a small group of people. Using the freshest ingredients and proteins, Hibachi Chefs dazzle with their entertaining tricks and firework, preparing delicious meals in front of guests.
ENJOY FABULOUS SUSHI AND AUTHENTIC JAPANESE DISHES IN OUR TATAMI ROOM
The private Tatami Rooms or traditional tea rooms at Nakato offer intimate, multi-course washoku dining. In the Tatami Rooms, guests trade shoes for slippers and sit on floor pillows. Our Garden Dining Room also presents these same menu items along with small plate options such as Nakato's signature marinated black cod and hot pots.
In Nakato's dining rooms as well as at the sushi bar, omakase service is available. Translating as "I trust the chef" or "I'll leave it to you," guests ordering omakase-style are treated to multiple courses of innovative culinary surprises prepared with imported and locally farmed ingredients.
Whether you're on a romantic date night or entertaining a group, Nakato's Tatami Rooms provide a unique setting for a terrific evening.
We look forward to having you join us for one of these truly authentic Japanese dining experiences.
THE NAKATO FAMILY
Since 1972 when Tetsuko Nakato first opened the doors of Nakato Japanese Restaurant, the family has shared the magnificent culture of Japanese cuisine with Atlantans and visitors from around the world.
After Tetsuko retired, her daughter, Hiroe Nakato, along with Hiroe's husband Kiyo Takahara, not only took the reins of the restaurant, but further grew Nakato's standing as one of the premiere dining destinations in Atlanta. Under their guidance, the restaurant became known for their next level Sushi Dining, Hibachi/ Teppanyaki Dining and Omakase. Since then, it has become one of Atlanta's top restaurants for Birthday Dinners, Group Dining and Private Event Dining.
Today, Sachiyo ("Sachi") Nakato Takahara runs the restaurant founded by her grandmother. Sachi was born in Atlanta and worked at Nakato from a very young age. She moved away to study art history at Boston University, and in 2004 she came back to the city and family business that she loved. Sachi mastered every aspect of the restaurant before being named General Manager.
Throughout the past half century, the Nakato family have always been on site at the restaurant to share their love of Japanese cuisine, starting guests out with the most basic dishes and sushi and then gradually introducing more intricate flavors and more adventurous Sashimi, Nigiri and Sushi. Just as her mother and grandmother, Sachi has always believed making guests feel special and welcome was the utmost of importance. To enhance the guest experience, Sachi along with a dozen of her managers and servers have all become Certified Sake Advisors so they can guide guests through the educational process, finding the perfect Sake for the Japanese dishes they are enjoying. The Sake component always adds to the Sushi dining experience.
Quite simply the Nakato family has created Nakato Japanese Restaurant based on the foundation of the Japanese word, Omotenashi. The word omotenashi means Japanese hospitality, and it is literally translated as - "Omote" meaning public face – an image you wish to present to outsiders and "Nashi" meaning nothing. Combining them means every service is from the bottom of the heart – honest, no hiding, no pretending. This is the cornerstone of the Nakato family.
frequently asked questions
What did you change when you did your renovation?
Although the entire restaurant received a refresh, we have newly designed Hibachi areas that all feature state of the art grills. We created a spectacular streetscape that provides a covering for our guests to walk from the front door to the Valet area, and a magnificent new entryway and bar/lounge area.
What are some of the experiences that Nakato offers?
Nakato offers an array of Japanese dining experiences. You can enjoy the energetic and lively atmosphere at our Teppanyaki tables with chefs cooking right in front of you. You can also savor our authentic Japanese cuisine in our garden dining room. And the sushi bar experience where chefs can create an Omakase experience, right in front of your eyes.
Has the same family owned Nakato since it opened in 1972?
Yes, not only has Nakato been owned by three generations of the Nakato family, but by three generations of Nakato women. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Sachi Nakato Takahara, whose Grandmother started the restaurant more than 50 years ago.
Do you offer Valet Parking?
Complimentary Valet Parking is available at the front of the restaurant.
Do I have to use the Valet to park?
We have very limited parking that is quite a bit away from the restaurant, so to provide the most convenient service for our guests, we pay for our Valet service to park your car. This is a complimentary service that we provide to all of our dine-in guests.